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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

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Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company with unparalleled financial stability and claims-paying ability that has recently ventured into the pet insurance marketplace.

The company stands out because they offer expanded coverage beyond just cats and dogs, as well as wellness plans that cover things like checkups and vaccinations.
 
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How is Nationwide rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
3.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness Plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, and it will, as a result, cost you more than most standard pet insurance plans.

Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that will extend coverage beyond dogs and cats, covering birds and all manner of other pets.

Truly unlimited coverage, however, is only offered if you choose the top tier plan.

Be aware that all plans besides Whole Pet with Wellness operate on a benefit schedule.

Nationwide Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a great option for a complete pet insurance plan.

In addition to the normal accident and illness coverage, it also provides for yearly physical exams, vaccinations, and flea/heartworm prevention. It is, however, on the pricey side as a result. Its Major Medical plan is more in line cost and coverage-wise with the standard accident and illness plans offered by most companies.

You can also purchase the wellness plan on it's own, and it is relatively inexpensive. Finally, Nationwide recently released a more inexpensive Whole Pet plan without the wellness component.

This plan has many of the same characteristics of Whole Pet with Wellness, operates on a percentage reimbursement basis, but is subject to different annual caps.

It is interesting to note that Nationwide is the only company we are aware of that extends pet insurance beyond cats and dogs.

The company will cover most birds and a wide range of exotic pets.
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Exotic Animals
Coverage Types
Medical
Wellness
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Both Nationwide models -- Whole Pet with 90% reimbursement, and all other plans with a benefit schedule -- offer unlimited annual maximums. The new Whole Pet plan without wellness, though, is subject to a $10,000 annual cap.

Additionally, you must remember that any plan but the Whole Pets are going to limit you by condition or procedure.

So even though technically there is no limit to the dollar amount they will spend on your pet in a year in total, there are limits on a condition and service basis with the lower two plans.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Nationwide's top tier Whole Pet with Wellness, as well as the new Whole Pet (alone) plan, both reimburse 90% of the total vet bill.

However, Major Medical and Pet Wellness reimburse according to a benefits schedule.

These schedules cap payouts by condition or service. If you are going with one of these plans we suggest you scrutinize your policy carefully before purchase, as your pet's breed may be susceptible to certain conditions with low coverage limits in the plan.

Benefits schedules, and no choice in customizing the reimbursement percentage in the top tier plan, limit the flexibility of Nationwide's offerings.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Benefit Schedule
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness offers one annual deductible of $100.

This is in some ways good because it is so low. But you will not have the flexibility of choosing higher deductibles should you want a lower monthly premium or should it somehow fit your needs in other ways.

Most of our top companies offer customizable deductibles.

The new Whole Pet without the wellness component, as well as the Major Medical plan, both have annual deductibles set at $250.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$100
Maximum Deductible Offered
$250

Pricing: How much does Nationwide cost?

Cost - 3 / 5

Nationwide's plans are comprehensive, but you are going to pay the price. Their monthly premiums are a little on the high end as opposed to our other companies.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$34.25
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$18.84
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $250, Benefits Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: Benefits Schedule
Available Discounts: 5% discount on current Nationwide member

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 3 / 5

Like our other companies, Nationwide will enroll pets starting at 6 weeks. Unlike our other companies, Nationwide has a relatively lower age restriction with older pets at 10 years.

However, if the pet is enrolled before age 10, and the policy never lapses, they will be covered for the duration of their lives.

Waiting periods are industry standard at 14 days, although Wellness starts 24 hours after approval.
Min Enrollment Age
6 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
10 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
14 days
Free Look Period
10 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4 / 5

Nationwide's claims procedure is standard for the pet insurance industry.

Like other companies, you must first pay the vet directly, download Nationwide's claim form, and submit the form with all paid invoices. You can submit via mail, fax or email.
Advertised Response Time
14 days
Claim Form
Mail
Email
Fax

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
https://www.petinsurance.com/
Headquarters Address
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH, 43215
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2344, Brea, CA, 92822
Year Founded
1981
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Customer Comments

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Barbara H

11/20/2017
I am so happy that I got Nationwide pet insurance for my labradoodle, Bella. It has made her life better being her first year. I don’t hesitate taking her into vet when she has issues which I have seen my friends do. I’m very pleased with Nationwide Pet insurance and will continue for price of mind and Bella’s health
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Deborah G

11/20/2017
Getting insurance was the best idea for our chocolate lab Gordo Cooper! We compared multiple plans, and Nationwide was the best plan for all around coverage. People always say they wish they had gotten insurance for their pet in their later years that require more visits, tests, and medications but we opted to get it early and thankfully we did. He's had some ear infections, preventative medications and a fractured tooth from his favorite you all which have been covered. We are so thankful for the coverage and we keep spreading the word to our friends and family!
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Susanne D

11/19/2017
So grateful to have Pet Insurance. One hopes to never use it for illness, but your beloved baby is terribly ill; it is wonderful to know that you can do the right thing and get him the care he needs! Thank you! Moby is FINALLY getting back to normal. It has been a long difficult time, but it is awesome to see him recovering.
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Debi K

11/18/2017
I am glad that in invested in Nationwide Pet Insurance for the family cat, Melo. She is doing better after seeing the vet and the insurance helped to offset the cost of the visit.
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Cammy J

11/18/2017
I love having pet insurance through Nationwide Pet Insurance because I have a sense of peace now. Years ago, I had a beautiful and sweet Chocolate Labrador, Buster, who ended up getting kidney disease, and I had no pet insurance. It was hard to go through emotionally and financially. Now, no matter what happens, I feel better having pet insurance while caring for my two Labradors, Bandit and Burt.
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Shannon F

11/17/2017
I have had pet insurance for many years now and feel it is well worth the money. Since I am retired and have two dogs it helps my budget immensely. I recommend Nationwide pet insurance to anyone who has pets!
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Martha L

11/17/2017
I'm so appreciative for my Nationwide pet insurance. I've had insurance on two of my four fur babies since they found me (I just can't afford insurance for my younger girls). My crazy chocolate Lab is, well, crazy and has gotten pancreatitis twice in the past year because he's getting old and can't eat things he did in his youth. His first bout almost killed him last year away from home when he had to spend three days in the emergency clinic. I've been able to save my baby because I have insurance for him. (I really wish I could afford it for my girls...)
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John S

11/17/2017
My claim was processed very quickly & I received my reimbursement directly to my checking account. Awesome!
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Laura D

11/17/2017
I have had Nationwide for many years and it has always been "on my side"!
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Sal C

11/17/2017
Quick & easy claim service on our Pet, Nicholas a 5 yr old.
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